By Brian Lyman | Editor
If a potential presidential candidate visits Alabama without holding any public events, does it count as campaigning?
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones speaking at a press conference in Birmingham, Alabama, on Sept. 2, 2026. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones Wednesday called for strengthening Alabama’s ethics laws and accused Republican nominee Tommy Tuberville of engaging in unethical investments in technology companies with connections to AI and data centers. The move came a day after Tuberville released a data center plan representing something of a step back from his prior enthusiasm. Tuberville’s campaign manager said the U.S. senator employs a broker and “is not making those day-to-day trading decisions.”
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom departs after speaking about the Election Rigging Response Act at a news conference in Los Angeles in August 2025. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Andrea Tinker
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, considered a potential presidential candidate in 2028, visited Montgomery Wednesday as the first part of a tour of the South. Although the tour was announced in advance, Newsom did not hold any public events and did not appear to make himself available to local or state press during the visit. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said he visited with Newsom, who also toured Civil Rights Movement sites and met with Alabama State University students.
A trash can sits on the side of the road Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 in Lanett, Ala. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Ralph Chapoco
The Southern Poverty Law Center last week sent a letter to Winston County warning of legal action if officials acted on threats to arrest people with unpaid trash bills. It was the latest action by the civil rights nonprofit on the issue, but officials are seeking a statewide ban on the practice. A bill that would have led to a ban last spring did not come out of an Alabama House committee, though one banning such charges for veterans became law.
ICYMI
Immigration activity is taking a toll on children’s health, doctors say | Nada Hassanein, Stateline
Why the rushed Postal Service plan for mail-in voting has states in a panic | Jacob Fischler, DC Bureau
Legal aid for immigrant kids remains in question after Trump administration pulls contract | Ariana Figueroa, DC Bureau
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